Related posts:

1. New Brunswick’s Development as an Energy Hub: Prince Edward Island and Québec launch discussions on energy
2. SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC DIRECTION ON URANIUM DEVELOPMENT
3. P.E.I., Quebec launch discussions on energy partnership

March 8, 2010 2:00 PM

Government Sees Jobs And Opportunity In Water Expertise, Higher Education

Related posts:

1. Alberta Throne Speech
2. Government of Canada Throne Speech
3. BC Throne Speech

Canada has returned to economic growth following the deepest global economic recession since the 1930s. The global recovery, however, remains fragile.

Budget 2010 aims to contribute to this recovery and sustain Canada’s economic advantage now and for the future. The budget plan has three broad aims.

First, it confirms $19 billion in new federal stimulus under Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to create and maintain jobs, complemented by $6 billion from provinces, territories, municipalities and other partners.

Second, it invests in a limited number of new, targeted initiatives to build jobs and growth for the economy of tomorrow, strengthen Canadian innovation, and make Canada a destination of choice for new business investment.

Third, Budget 2010 charts a course to bring Canada’s finances back to balance over the medium term and well before any other Group of Seven (G7) country.

By making timely investments that fit firmly within the Government’s long-term economic vision for Canada, and thanks to the resilience and ingenuity of Canadians, our country will emerge from the recession with a stronger economic advantage than before.

The Canadian brand will be based on competitive taxes, renewed infrastructure and skills, a strong head start in clean energy, a tariff advantage, less red tape, and a more prominent voice as a global financial sector leader.

Together, we will create a stronger Canada and a stronger economy, now and for the future.

Delivering Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan

Actions taken under Canada’s Economic Action Plan have helped ensure the worst of the global recession lies behind us.

However, while a recovery has begun, it remains fragile and too many Canadians remain out of work. This is why the Government will follow through on its commitment to Canadians and its G7 and G20 partners to deliver Year 2 of the stimulus plan.

Over the next fiscal year, Year 2 of the Economic Action Plan will continue to maintain and create jobs, and help Canadian workers and families manage through still difficult economic conditions, including:

• $3.2 billion in personal income tax relief. This includes allowing Canadians to earn more income before paying federal income tax and before being subject to higher tax rates. It includes the enhanced Working Income Tax Benefit to strengthen work incentives for low-income Canadians. Tax measures for 2010–11 also include higher child benefits for parents and lower taxes for low and middle-income seniors.
• Over $4 billion in actions to create and protect jobs. This includes additional Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and more training opportunities to help unemployed Canadians through this difficult period, and help ensure they are equipped to re-enter the workforce and prosper in the future.
• $7.7 billion in infrastructure stimulus to create jobs. This will modernize infrastructure, support home ownership and improve social housing across Canada. This builds on the $8.3 billion investment in infrastructure and housing delivered in 2009–10.
• $1.9 billion to create the economy of tomorrow. This investment will help develop and attract talented people, strengthen our capacity for world-leading research, improve commercialization, accelerate private sector investment, enhance the ability of Canadian firms to participate in global markets, and create a more competitive business environment.
• $2.2 billion to support industries and communities. This will support adjustment and provide job opportunities in all parts of Canada that have been hit hard by the economic downturn. It provides support for affected sectors, including forestry, agriculture, small business, tourism, shipbuilding and culture. In addition, the proposed elimination of tariffs on manufacturing inputs and machinery and equipment will encourage investment in the manufacturing sector.

Canadians in all regions have already benefited from the implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan in Year 1:

• Commitments are in place for almost 16,000 projects across the country. Over 12,000 of these projects have begun or have been completed.
• One objective of the Economic Action Plan was to maintain or create 220,000 jobs. The Action Plan is on track. It has contributed to the creation of over 135,000 jobs recorded in Canada since July 2009.

At the same time, the Action Plan will advance the objectives set out in our long-term economic plan, Advantage Canada.

New Investments in Jobs and Economic Growth

In addition to delivering Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Budget 2010 introduces a limited number of new and targeted actions to protect Canadians from the global recession and create the jobs and economy of tomorrow.

Jobs Protection and Youth Employment Measures

Budget 2010 invests in measures that will directly protect jobs. This includes extensions to work-sharing and investments in training and skills development for youth.

Creating Economic Growth and Jobs Through Innovation

Budget 2010 builds on earlier investments with over $600 million over three years to help develop and attract talented people, to strengthen our capacity for world-leading research and development, and to improve the commercialization of research.

Encouraging Investment and Trade to Create Jobs and Growth

Budget 2010 takes action to improve the environment for investment, enhance competition and reduce barriers for businesses. This includes making Canada a tariff-free zone for manufacturers, by eliminating all remaining tariffs on productivity-improving machinery and equipment and goods imported for further manufacturing in Canada. This initiative, when fully implemented, will provide $300 million in annual duty savings to Canadian business.

Proposed improvements to the international tax system to attract new investment, cuts to red tape for businesses and increased competition for telecommunications will also foster investment and create jobs for Canadians.

Related posts:

1. Alberta Budget 2010
2. BC 2010 Budget
3. Government of Canada Launches Consultations on the Second Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan

Today, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Government’s Speech from the Throne to open the Third Session of Canada’s 40th Parliament and outline the broad agenda of the Government of Canada.

Canada is poised to emerge from the recession powered by one of the strongest economies in the industrialized world.  Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, jobs and growth will remain the top priority.  The Government will focus on:

• Completing Canada’s Economic Action Plan to protect incomes, create jobs, ease credit markets, and help workers and communities get back on their feet.

• Returning to fiscal balance by winding down stimulus spending as economic activity rebounds and by restraining federal program spending overall while protecting growth in transfers that directly benefit Canadians, such as pensions, health care and education.

• Continuing to work on job creation and job protection, recognizing that too many Canadians are still looking for work, the Government is helping young Canadians entering today’s job market for the first time make the transition to work.

• Building the jobs and industries of the future by investing in Canadians’ skills and education, keeping taxes low, opening markets to Canadian goods and services, and creating the conditions for continued success of industries that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.

In addition, the Speech from the Throne sets out the Government’s broader agenda, one that reflects Canadians’ values and focuses on what matters most to Canadians:

• Making Canada the best place for families by strengthening the Universal Child Care Benefit, protecting consumers, ensuring that the law protects everyone while those who commit crimes are held to account.

• Standing up for those who helped build Canada by strengthening Canada’s retirement income system and supporting legislation to establish Seniors Day, continuing to stand up for Canada’s military and its veterans,  and continuing to recognize the contributions of Canada’s Aboriginal people.

• Strengthening a united Canada in a changing world by pursuing democratic reforms, further strengthening Canada’s Francophone identity, improving the immigration and refugee systems, helping the North realize its vast potential, and protecting and preserving our natural environment.

The Government will also continue to stand up for what is right in the world including global security, human rights, maternal and child health, financial market regulation and international climate change.  This year, as we host the G-8 and G-20 summits, the Government will use its international leadership to advance these goals.

To realize the hopes Canadians hold for themselves and their families, the economy must remain the Government’s single most urgent priority.  That is why tomorrow the Government will present a Budget focussed on jobs and growth.

Related posts:

1. Alberta Throne Speech
2. Ontario Throne Speech
3. BC Throne Speech

Edmonton… Alberta search and rescue groups would receive liability protection when acting in good faith under changes proposed in Bill 6, the Emergency Management Amendment Act. Good faith means search and rescue volunteers acted with good intentions and according to their duty when helping Albertans in need.

“Search and rescue groups provide a critical service to Albertans and the proposed amendment would support members and their organizations,” said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This bill is an important part of our government’s commitment to strengthening the emergency management system and creating safe and strong communities.”

Bill 6 also includes amendments that will extend the good faith defense to local authorities and their agents for providing emergency services and support regional cooperation for the delivery of emergency services.

To track the bill’s progress, visit the Legislative Assembly website: www.assembly.ab.ca.

An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.

Related posts:

1. Alberta Mental Health Amendment Act 2009
2. Nova Scotia Emergency Department Accountability Legislation Introduced
3. Alberta Gunshot and Stab Reporting Legislation

NB 252

Feb. 19, 2010

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Legislation introduced today will implement the province’s poverty reduction plan and ensure the delivery of poverty initiatives at the community level.

Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock introduced the Economic and Social Inclusion Act in the legislative assembly.

“While government plays an important role in helping lift New Brunswickers out of poverty, we cannot do it alone,” said Lamrock. “With the introduction of this act, we are formalizing the partnership among government, business and communities in the fight to reduce poverty in our province.”

The Economic and Social Inclusion Act will serve as the legislative framework to implement

Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan. It will create a structure to ensure and facilitate on-going engagement and partnership of residents and all sectors of society. Specifically, the act will:

• establish the New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, a Part 1 corporation under the Public Service Labour Relations Act;
• provide for the establishment of community inclusion networks; and
• provide for the establishment of a co-ordination unit to provide support for the board and the community inclusion networks.

The board of directors of the corporation will be composed of 22 members representing government; business; community non-profit organizations; and persons having experienced poverty. Four vice-chairpersons, representative of each of these sectors, will be appointed and will take turns in assuming the position of chair for a one-year term.

The act fulfils a commitment made by the provincial government under the economic and social inclusion plan, adopted in November 2009 by the 50 members of the Final Forum representing government, the business and community sectors, and residents who have experienced living in poverty.

Related posts:

1. New Brunswick poverty reduction
2. Nova Scotia Poverty Reduction Strategy Released
3. Ontario Review of Social Assistance Policy

The Québec Ombudsman’s report, entitled For a Credible, Transparent, and Impartial Process That Inspires Confidence and Respect, makes five findings with regard to the procedure defined in the current ministerial policy:

1) Lack of formal rules and inadequate framework
2) Lack of transparency in the process and the results
3) Appearance of partiality in peer?conducted investigations
4) Doubts about the independence of the investigation process
5) Shortcomings in the oversight and accountability of investigations

The Québec Ombudsperson has formulated eight interrelated recommendations whose full and complete implementation will help to build public trust in the crucial and complex work of police officers and the credibility of investigations into police incidents.

Formal rules and framework

It is necessary to clarify, through legislative and regulatory provisions, the standards relating to
interventi0n time frames, preservation of evidence, and treatment of witnesses and police officers
involved. Accordingly, the Ombudsperson recommends that the Police Act be amended to provide a regulatory framework for the investigative process.

She also recommends that Ministère de la Sécurité publique task École nationale de police with providing training on the duties and obligations to be set out in the new legislation.

Transparency in the process and the results

Greater transparency would enhance the credibility of the investigative process and build public trust. The Ombudsperson recommends that the government adopt guidelines to ensure greater transparency and that the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecution systematically consider releasing the detailed reasoning in support of any decision not to undertake criminal proceedings.

Impartiality of investigations
To ensure greater impartiality in the process, the Ombudsperson recommends that the Government of Québec gradually take steps to integrate qualified civilian investigators into the investigative teams, and that to this end it task École nationale de police with implementing training programs on criminal investigation techniques for designated civilians.

She also recommends promoting the representation of Québec’s diversity among the civilians in charge of conducting, monitoring, and overseeing investigations into incidents involving police officers.
Independence of the investigation process
The current ministerial policy does not guarantee independence. The Ombudsperson recommends the creation of an independent body, the Special Investigations Bureau, which would be tasked with investigating serious incidents involving police officers.

Oversight and accountability of investigations
The Ombudsperson has formulated two recommendations describing how to ensure the Special
Investigations Bureau’s independence, autonomy, and effectiveness. The first concerns the Bureau’s structure and operations, while the second addresses reporting and accountability.

The Québec Ombudsperson noted that the cost of investigations into serious incidents involving police officers is currently divided among the police departments that conduct them. She believes that the Special Investigations Bureau should be created by reallocating existing resources. As such, any additional costs would be marginal in absolute terms.

Although aware of the changes that these recommendations call for in police culture and practice, Ms. Saint?Germain believes that “their implementation is crucial to ensure public confidence in investigations into serious incidents involving police officers, who would be the first to benefit from greater public trust in an oversight mechanism that ensures credibility, accountability, and cost effectiveness.”

The Québec Ombudsman’s report is available at www.protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca.

Related posts:

1. BC MAKES CHNAGES TO POLICE COMPLAINT PROCESS, ACCOUNTABILITY STRENGTHENED
2. BC STRENGTHENED POLICE COMPLAINT PROCESS INTRODUCED
3. Manitoba New Police Services Act Introduced in Legislature

PACIFIC LEADERS TAKE ACTION
ON CLEAN ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, OCEAN CONSERVATION

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.

The actions were ratified today during the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established by British Columbia’s premier and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the collaborative’s founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.

The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens.”

“The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative.”

“Those of us here today recognize the challenges of a changing climate and a changing economy,” Governor Gregoire said. “By acting together, we can show the world that it is possible, and necessary, to embrace solutions that address both.”

“These agreements demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting the health of the West Coast’s ocean and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Taking strong action now means a stronger tomorrow for our coastal communities.”

Two action plans were signed by the leaders today: Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.

The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co-operative initiatives to promote renewable and low-carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to “Green Ports” through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.

The forum also saw the leaders consider and release for further discussion and public input a “Vision 2030” paper intended to serve as a living document for the Pacific Coast Collaborative. The paper sets out a strategic vision for the future of Pacific North America and regional collaboration. The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

The leaders also unveiled a new, shared PCC website to facilitate regional sharing of information and best practices between governments and with citizens. It is online at: http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org. The documents signed today can also be found on this site.

Leaders welcomed Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s offer to host and chair the next PCC Leaders Forum in November 2010.

BACKGROUNDER

PACIFIC COAST COLLABORATIVE 2010 ACTION PLANS

The Pacific Coast Collaborative

On June 30, 2008, the premier of British Columbia and the governors of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Memorandum to Establish the Pacific Coast Collaborative, the first agreement that brings together the Pacific leaders as a common front to set a co-operative direction. The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a formal basis for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues facing Pacific North America. The following were set as priority areas for action:

• Clean energy
• Regional transportation
• Innovation, research and development
• Sustainable regional economy
• Emergency management
• Any other areas of common interest

The Memorandum establishing the Pacific Coast Collaborative provides a framework for the development, discussion and adoption of specific agreements or action plans applying to all participating jurisdictions or for those applying to as few as just two jurisdictions.

The Feb. 12, 2010 meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia was the first annual Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. During the session, the leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington agreed to two action plans:

1.Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy

• Actions on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy include:

o   Promote development and delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in areas including: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, tidal/wave energy.

o   Support the Western Renewable Energy Zone (WREZ) Project to ensure cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive development of renewable low-carbon energy.

o   Share data and best practices to minimize environmental impacts from renewable low-carbon energy development.

o   Harmonize definitions of low impact renewable resources, starting with hydropower.

o   Seek collaborations on forest product innovation for renewable energy.

• Actions on Energy Conservation include:

o   Participate in Pacific Coast symposia on energy equipment.

o   Encourage a “Conservation First” program for regional electrical, gas utilities to encourage lower consumer energy demand, and collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o   Promote a wood-building culture and regional forest product innovations for renewable energy.

o   Collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o   Share information on efficiency standards in building codes.

o   Leverage energy-efficiency standards for public buildings.

o   Partner to promote green and living communities.

o   Collaborate on a vision to establish “net-zero community energy” homes and buildings.

• Actions on Transportation include:

o   Work with government agencies and private sector partners on further study into a high-speed passenger rail from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C.

o   Build a Pacific Green Highway through continued support for transformation of  Interstate 5 (US) / Highway 99 (B.C.) corridor to establish infrastructure for alternative fuels including through public-private partnerships.

o   Collaborate and share information such as permitting, codes and standards on all electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and hydrogen vehicles; maximize results from research and commercialization efforts.

o   Create consistent roadside signage for alternative fuel stations.

o   Collaborate on next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel blends.

o   Collaborate on public fleet vehicle purchases to maximise purchase leverage.

o   Maximize results from university research and commercialization efforts.

o   Work towards “Green Ports” through synchronized policies and regulations that provide incentives for and encourage development of innovative and sustainable technologies to reduce fine particulates, hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

2.Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation

• Actions on Ocean  Health and Conservation include:

o   Co-operate on the prevention and clean-up of marine debris.

o   Co-operate to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species.

o   Collaborate on best practices for reducing risks from toxins and non point source pollution.

o   Promote sustainable fisheries management.

• Actions on Coastal Climate Change Adaptation include:

o   Research and share data on impacts from possible changes to marine and coastal environments and changes in ocean acidity.

o   Share information to address adaptation needs such flood protection and land use decisions.

• Actions on Ocean Research and Innovation include:

o   Support funding by federal governments for the long-term maintenance of ocean observing systems.

o   Support sharing of ocean research and innovation including seafloor mapping.

-30-

BACKGROUNDER

VISION 2030: POSITIONING PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA FOR

SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY

Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington released for public input a discussion paper, “Vision 2030”. The paper sets out a strategic vision for regional collaboration. It attempts to answer the question: “What could Pacific North America look like in 2030?“

The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

“Vision 2030” outlines a possible future under the headings of:

• Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
• A Sustainable Regional Economy in 2030
• Creating Green jobs
• Building Economically Sustainable Communities
• An Innovative Economy
• Creating Regional Networks of Innovation
• Providing Innovative Education and Skills Training
• A Low-Carbon Economy
• Promoting Renewable Energy
• Accelerating Clean Transportation
• Connecting High Speed Rail
• Utilizing Green Ports
• A Conservation Economy
• Building a Smart Grid
• Constructing Green Buildings and Communities
• Getting to Zero Waste
• Promoting Resource Conservation
• A Secure Regional Economy
• Establishing Emergency Management Systems
• Adapting to Climate Change.

The document was released Feb. 12, 2010 by the Premier of British Columbia and the governors of California, Oregon and Washington on the occasion of the first Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in Vancouver, B.C.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

Related posts:

1. National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative – Discussion document
2. Energy, Environment and Economy Increasingly Interconnected Says NEB Report
3. NWT Energy Policy Framework

• $1.3 billion in savings found through cross-ministry spending review
• Cost savings re-invested in and new money added to priority areas:
  • $1.7-billion increase for ongoing health programs; AHS deficit paid off
  • $250-million increase for school boards
  • Benefit levels maintained for recipients of Alberta Seniors Benefit and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
  • Funding remains at $597 million for Persons with Developmental Disabilities program
• Alberta’s competitive advantage supported and enhanced:
  • $20.1-billion investment in infrastructure over three years
  • No tax increases; taxes remain lowest overall in Canada
• $38.7 billion forecast total expense in 2010-11; $34.0 billion forecast revenue in 2010-11
• $4.7-billion deficit forecast for 2010-11; $505-million surplus forecast in 2012-13
• Savings in Sustainability Fund used to offset deficits

Edmonton… Budget 2010 sets the stage for putting Alberta back in the black in three years while protecting health care and other priorities and holding the line on taxes.

Despite current fiscal challenges, the Alberta government will increase funding for health, basic education and supports for seniors and vulnerable Albertans, while maintaining the lowest tax regime in Canada. This is thanks in large part to cost savings found across government that are being reinvested in these priority areas.

“This government understands the value Albertans place on health care, education, and protecting our most vulnerable,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “Our improved fiscal and economic outlook means we can continue to support these priorities while tightening our spending elsewhere.”

As part of plans to balance the budget by 2012-13, a detailed review of ministry spending was undertaken and $1.3 billion in savings were identified. In light of an improved revenue picture, government was able to re-invest these savings into priority areas, without jeopardizing its goal to return to balanced budgets within three years.

“Some will say we’re spending too much; others will say we’re not spending enough,” said Ted Morton, Minister of Finance and Enterprise. “Budget 2010 strikes the right balance between fiscal discipline and protecting core programs. It enhances our competitiveness by keeping taxes low and investing in infrastructure for the future, and positions us to be back in the black within three years.”

Economy
Spurred by strengthening investment, particularly in the oil sands, Alberta’s economy is expected to grow by 2.6 per cent in 2010, followed by growth of 2.9 per cent in 2011, 3.0 per cent in 2012, and 3.1 per cent in 2013. The labour outlook is also expected to improve, with an increase in average employment of 15,000 jobs this year over last year and an unemployment rate forecast to average 6.6 per cent in 2010, falling to 6 per cent in 2011, 5.3 per cent in 2012, and 4.9 per cent in 2013.

Operating Expense
Operating expense is forecast to increase by 5.6 per cent, or $1.7 billion, to $33.2 billion in 2010-11. This includes a one-time payment of $759 million to pay off the remainder of the Alberta Health Services deficit.  When that payment is factored out, operating expense increases by 4.3 per cent, somewhat more than population growth and inflation which total 3.5 per cent.

The operating expense increase includes $1.3 billion to Alberta Health Services base funding. This includes an $812-million adjustment to the AHS base to reflect current costs, plus a 6-per-cent increase to the adjusted base – part of a five-year commitment between the government and Alberta Health Services that includes 6-per-cent increases in 2011-12 and 2012-13, and 4.5-per-cent increases in the two years after that.

Increases to basic education and supports for seniors and the vulnerable are offset by savings and efficiencies found in other areas of government.

Capital Spending
The 2010-13 Capital Plan supports $20.1 billion in capital projects, including $7.2 billion in 2010-11. The government’s commitment to previously announced projects remains firm, although total spending over the next three years is reduced due to lower construction costs and re-profiling. This investment in infrastructure, which is nearly double the per capita average of other provinces, will support about 70,000 jobs this year.

Revenue
Total revenue in 2010-11 is forecast to increase by $423 million from the previous year to $34.0 billion, an increase of 1.3 per cent. Revenue is forecast to continue to rise as economic recovery takes hold, increasing to $37.3 billion in 2011-12, and $40.2 billion in 2012-13.

Resource revenue is forecast to increase by $1.3 billion, or 21.7 per cent, to $7.3 billion in 2010-11, and grow to $9.3 billion by 2011-12 and $10.4 billion by 2012-13. The global economic recovery is expected to increase prices and demand for oil, and natural gas prices are expected to be boosted by an improved North American economy, although higher supplies from U.S. shale gas development and liquefied natural gas imports are likely to limit any increases.

Deficit
Budget 2010 forecasts a deficit of $4.7 billion for 2010-11. The deficit for 2011-12 is forecast to be $1.1 billion, with a return to a balanced budget and a modest surplus of $505 million for 2012-13. The deficits will be offset by transfers from the Sustainability Fund, as will the forecast deficit of $3.6 billon for 2009-10.

The Sustainability Fund is savings set aside to manage revenue volatility and protect priority programs during economic downturns. Government will resume deposits to the fund when it returns to surpluses.

Fiscal Summary
(millions of dollars)

Forecast Energy Prices

-30-

Attachments:

• New 5-year funding plan a first for health
• Creating opportunity for Albertans
• Building strong and vibrant communities
• $7.2 billion for Alberta capital projects this year
• Supporting responsible resource development
• Budget summary by ministry

Related posts:

1. Alberta Budget Documents
2. Alberta Third Quarter Fiscal Highlights
3. New Brunswick 2010 Budget

The Government of Nova Scotia is engaged in public consultations regarding the province’s finances. Please participate in these consultations to let the Government know about the importance of making the links between the economy and the environment. The environment cannot be short-changed any longer. Our province needs to green the economy, fund environmental and climate change programs, and enforce environmental laws. We need to get our economy and our environment back to balance. Deadline for consultations is the end of March 2010.

Read more information here.

Related posts:

1. Nova Scotia Signs Climate Change Agreement with Ottawa
2. Ontario Solid Waste Consultations
3. Nova Scotia Budget